Today we observed an inquiry lesson taught by Shannon and Sara. They activated students' prior knowledge by asking what they remembered about the Powhatan, Pueblo, and Sioux tribes. Multiple students raised their hands to participate! After this review, the teachers used a Voki to introduce the task for the day: the students had to figure out which artifacts in their group's bag belonged to which tribe. The Voki told them she needed their help to sort the artifacts for the Museum of Natural History! This definitely grasped the students' attention. Shannon and Sara's lesson required students to investigate a problem. They followed the inquiry guidelines very well also! They provided a template to guide students through the investigation process and keep them task-oriented. Students were given all resources necessary to succeed at this lesson. While it was a little advanced at times for second graders, the students tried their best to work through it.
Using an inquiry lesson allows students to expand their knowledge above the basic level of Bloom's Taxonomy. They no longer are just recalling facts, but using various resources to solve a problem. Lessons like this allow students to take control of their learning, while still providing guidelines and all materials necessary.
As always, our class met after the lesson and constructively reviewed our peers' work. While there can always be improvement, I think the idea behind the lesson was great!
Shannon and Sara discussing the artifact bags.
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